Make some quick, easy and basic cookies

Ingredients-

• 230 grams of butter.
• 110 grams of caster sugar.
• 275 grams of plain flour.
• Some sugar or spices- optional (see tips for instructions and measurements, etc.).

Equipment-
An oven.
A baking tray.
Baking paper- optional.
Cooking spray- optional.
A large mixing bowl.
Cookie cutter- optional.
Rolling pin- optional.

Method-

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Add the butter to a large bowl and mix it until it has a creamy, soft texture or use a food mixer to mix it until it is soft.
3. Now add the sugar and beat the mixture until it is soft, light and fluffy.
4. Next use your hands to roll the dough into small balls about the size of a walnut and place them slightly apart from each other on a baking tray and then flatten them slightly.
5. Bake them for 13-15 minutes or until they appear to be a light, golden brown colour with a firm top.
6. Now carefully put them on a wire cooling rack, until they are cool and firm.

Tips-

• Experiment with them!-
• Poppy seed- Add two tablespoons of poppy seeds to the flour.
• Lemon or orange- Add the finely grated zest of 1 orange or 1 lemon to the flour.
• Spice- Add 1 tablespoon of the ground spice of your choice to the flour (e.g. cinnamon, ginger, mixed spice or even sugar, if you like).
• If the cookie mixture is moist and sticky use some baking paper and/or cooking spray on the tray to prevent sticking or burning of the mixture, once in the oven.
• You can use a rolling pin and a cookie cutter, if you want to be precise when shaping and making the cookies.

Make a sparkler bomb

Equipment-

• 1 or more 5 packs of regular sparklers.
• 1 roll of electrical tape or PVC tape.
• 1 roll of aluminium foil (optional).
• 1 or more clean tin cans, e.g. a tin of diced tomato's or spaghetti (optional).
• 1 packet of a food that can melt easily e.g. marshmallows, chocolates, etc. (optional).
• 1 fire extinguisher.
• 1 phone, in case an emergency occurs and you need to call 000.
• Some adult supervision.
• A friend.

Method-

1. Get out five sparklers to start with.
2. Get one piece of foil about the size of a piece of paper or bigger, depending on the thickness of the sparklers- optional.
3. Wrap the foil tightly and firmly all the way around the bunch of sparklers and make sure you wrap the foil around the end of the sparklers that is the handle and not the top part that you are meant to light- optional.
4. If you are using foil you should use the tape to only tape from the top part of the foil to about half way down the foil and put one piece of tape around the edge of the top part of the foil so that the foil doesn't slip off, the top part of the foil being the end that is the end you light- optional.
5. If you are not using foil just tape over three quarters of the bundle of sparklers, making sure you leave one quarter of the top end that you light not covered by tape. When taping the sparklers together in a bundle make sure you wrap the tape around two to three times for every part you tape and leave at least an inch or two point fifty five centimetres of the top end of the sparkler bundle exposed and not covered with tape.
6. Slightly pull the middle sparkler out, about a few centimetre out, of the bunch, this will be the only sparkler that you set alight, e.g. it is like the wick on a candle.
7. Put the bundle of sparklers in a tin can, the tin can be used with the foil covered sparklers only- optional.
8. Light the top end of the sparklers and get away from them as quick as possible.
9. Now enjoy the view!

Tips-

• Never cover the top end, of the sparklers that you light, with anything. This includes the foil, the tape, the tin can, other sparklers, other sparkler bombs or the food that melts easily because it will explode if you do this.
• Keep yourself and others away from the sparkler bomb and don't let yourself or others inhale the smoke that the sparkler bomb gives off.
• Do not light it near anything flammable.
• Light it on the ground only, make sure it is on bare ground, e.g. cement, concrete, etc.
• When lighting it make sure it is pointed away from yourself and others.
• Light it on a hard, smooth and firm surface that is not flammable, e.g. concrete.
• Remember that more sparklers means a larger and more dangerous flame.
• Experiment with it-You can place small non-flammable things near wear the flame will be, e.g. marshmallows, chocolates, etc.
• Be careful because the tape may catch on fire.
• Stay away from the sparkler bomb after you light it.
• After you light the sparkler bomb, get away from it as quickly as possible.
• Use a phone to call 000, if an accident or an emergency occurs.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close in case of an accident or an emergency.
• Have adult supervision when you do this.
• Have a friend around as well to help and assist you when you do this.
• Do not light the sparkler bomb near any buildings, fields, people, etc.

Carve a Pumpkin for Halloween

Equipment-

• A pumpkin.
• A pumpkin carving kit OR a serrated bread knife, a serrated pumpkin carving knife, a jab saw and a spoon or scoop.
• X-Acto knife.
• A few candlesticks or candles or tea lights or flashlights or flickering LED lights.
• A permanent marker or a dry-ease marker or a pencil and eraser.
• A ruler.
• Some newspapers or brown paper bags.
• A bowl.
• Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly.
• Water.
• (Ingredients for pumpkin seeds recipe is in the method).

Method-

1. Choose a pumpkin from your local supermarket, pumpkin patch, farmers' market, growers' market or pumpkin farm, etc.
2. Select a healthy, ripe pumpkin- look for a pumpkin that has a sturdy unbendable stem, a consistent orange colour, a firm but smooth surface, no interior or exterior bruises, scratches, cuts, nicks, bumps, lumps, etc. on it, make sure it is hollow by knocking on the exterior skin, i.e. choose it like you would choose a fresh melon. Make sure you choose the right size too, usually they can range in size and vary widely in shape and colour, etc.
3. Choose a style and method of carving-

• Traditional jack-o'-lantern carving (traditional night time lantern).
• Silhouette carving.
• Pith (exterior skin) carving (traditional day time lantern).
• Bas-Relief carving (traditional+Silhouette+Pith=Bas-Relief).

4. Set up an area with all your tools and your pumpkin, put the pumpkin on some newspaper or some brown paper bags and make sure the area is safe, spacious and comfortable.
5. Draw your chosen design on the pumpkin using your marker or pencil.
6. Skip steps 6, 8 and 9, if you have chosen to make a Pith carving with your pumpkin.
7. Draw a line around the pumpkin that is approximately 4 or 5 centimetres from the base of the stem (which is on top of the pumpkin), if your not sure use your ruler to measure and mark a few spots around the pumpkin and then connect the marked dots or lines to form the line.
8. Now use the serrated bread knife to cut through the line that has just been drawn in step 6, point the knife inward towards the centre when cutting.
9. Remove the lid and use the spoon, scoop or your hands to remove the pumpkin's stringy filling and seeds, make sure that it is all completely removed from the pumpkin so that no excess filling or seeds are left behind.
10. OPTIONAL-
Equipment-

• Pumpkin seeds, a strainer/colander, an oven, some water, a tap,  a large bowl, a mixing bowl, some paper towel, some salt, some olive oil, some baking paper, an oven tray/pan.

Method-

• You can use the seeds to toast and eat them: Untangle the seeds from the filling, pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius,, put the seeds in a strainer/colander and wash under a tap of room temperature/luke warm water, (optional) soak the seeds in a large bowl of 2/3's of water and add lots of salt until the water is saturated in it and leave for 8 to 48 hours and then drain out the water and then air dry or paper towel dry the seeds, add the seeds to a mixing bowl, then add some salt to the mixing bowl, just enough salt to cover all the seeds not to much though, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or canola oil or melted butter to every cup of seeds that is used, don't add any extra olive oil, canola oil or melted butter because you don't want it to be too greasy, and you can also add seasoning, powdered seasoning or sauce to add extra flavour if you wish (seasoning, powdered seasoning or sauce is optional), line an oven tray/pan with baking paper, spread one layer of seeds out on one or more trays/pans if needed, put the tray('s)/pan('s) in the oven, shake and turn the seeds over roughly ever 10 to 15 minutes and cook them for 45 to 55 minutes.

11.Continuing onward, If the bottom of the pumpkin is uneven and the pumpkin does not sit up properly, then cut an even slice off the bottom of the pumpkin to give it some more stability.
12. Carve out your design and get rid of the left over pieces.
13. Use your Vaseline/petroleum jelly to cover the surface of the newly carved pieces.
14. Chose either some (or just one, if you like) candlesticks, candles, tea lights or flickering LED lights to put inside the pumpkin, make sure you put it in a spot inside the pumpkin that is flat, safe and stable and also make sure it is relatively near or in the middle of the pumpkin, if need be cut a small hole in the lid or remove the lid for ventilation, if the candle is not staying lit but if it is windy keep the lid on and make sure the pumpkin is sheltered from the wind because it may be the wind that is putting the candle out.

 

15. Pick a display spot, if you are using a candle inside your newly made jack-o'-lantern then place it away from flammable items and people too, if you are putting a pumpkin on something that is made of wood then put a plate or bowl under it to catch the wax from the candle if it overflows or leaks.
Tips-

• If you accidentally cut out to much of the pumpkin or you watch to attach some other features to it using the left over pieces, just use some pins or toothpicks- prepare to replace these added pieces because they will shrivel, wilt and grow older faster than the rest of the jack-o'-lantern.
• If you find that the entire pumpkin is shrivelling and deflating, then soak the pumpkin in a large tub or sink of water and make sure it is completely immersed in the water and then let it soak for a few hours and it should go almost completely back to normal.
• Leave the pumpkin in cold/cool, dry, temperature stable location, were the jack-o'-lantern is not exposed to the harsher outside elements, i.e. rain, wind, etc.
• Get Creative!- You can use the excess stringy filling or seeds, or the leftover pumpkin pieces, or craft pieces- i.e. Spanish moss, yarn, corn silk, craft glue, feathers, artificial flower stems, pipe cleaners, plastic autumn leaves, props, or even some 'Mr. Potato Head' parts, etc.
• Another idea is, if using a candle stick or candle, you can sprinkle some pumpkin spices around the inside of the pumpkins lid, so that it gives off a nice scent.
• You can also try carving a scared face on the front of the jack-o'-lantern and then a small design on the back of the jack-o'-lantern that is directly opposite the front, when lit it should appear like a shadow of a face, a scene or a shape over the bigger front design on the jack-o'-lantern.
  
• You could also try making a creative wrap-around design that covers the entire surface of the pumpkin.
• Try to never use a straight-edge knife when cutting a pumpkin, especially when cutting large parts of the pumpkins design, lid or base, etc. because it may take a lot longer and it may not turn out as good.
• Many websites and books have designs that you can follow if you are unsure or what you want to create or if you need some ideas or a pattern to trace or follow, etc.
• If the pumpkin appears to be ageing, getting mouldy, rotting, shrivelling, etc. try applying some Vaseline/petroleum jelly to it straight after it has been cut and carved, to prevent this ageing process. Only apply it to the exposed areas that have been cut and carved, do not apply it to the inside of the jack-o'-lantern as it may become a fire hazard and become unsafe if you are using candlesticks, candles or the jack-o'-lantern is placed near something flammable or heat producing, etc.
• If you find that the jack-o'-lantern is going mouldy or starting to rot and corrode, you could try any of these methods-

- These results come from a test that was conducted by a team at the My Science Project group:

White glue – Preserved pumpkin for 6 days. Profuse mold and rot.

Acrylic spray – Preserved pumpkin for 9 days. Profuse mold and rot.

Vaseline – Preserved pumpkin for 9 days. Profuse mold and rot.

Bleach (Soaked in bleach) – Preserved pumpkin for 10 days. Minimal mold, some rot.

Control (un-preserved pumpkin) – Preserved pumpkin for 14 days. Minimal rot, some mould.

Pumpkin Fresh – Preserved pumpkin for 14 days. Minimal mold, some rot.

Clean a flat iron/hair straightener

Equipment-

• 2 small cloths (preferably something as small as a face washer).
• Luke warm water.
• A flat iron.
• Some cotton tips and/or cotton balls (optional- for fragile flat irons).
• Some toothpicks (optional- for flat irons that have gaps around their plates).
• Rubbing alcohol (optional- for flat irons that are harder to clean).

Method-

1. Heat the flat iron a little so that it is warm but not hot.
2. Then unplug the flat iron.
3. Dampen and moisten one cloth slightly but don't completely wet the cloth.
4. Use one small part of the cloth to gently and carefully rub the cloth along the bottom plate.
5. Repeat step four for the top plate.
6. Keep repeating step four and five until all the gunk, grime and residue has been removed from both the plates.
7. Make sure you clean the sides, the corners and the front and back ends of the plates. If you have gaps around the plates or around the corners, use some cotton tips and/or toothpicks to clean these difficult and hard to reach areas.
8. If the flat iron still proves to be difficult to clean even with the damp cloth of water, try using rubbing alcohol on a cloth, instead.
9. If you are worried about using the cloth and water on your flat iron, just use some cotton balls to lightly clean the surface, instead.
10. Next wipe the flat iron with the remaining dry cloth, to remove excess water.
11. Now let the flat iron air dry until there is no remaining moisture on it.
12. Do this regularly and if there is still a lot of gunk, grime or residue on the flat iron, then between its regular cleans, use some paper towel that has been wet with either water or rubbing alcohol (or use both, one after the other) to wipe both the plates, but when doing this do not heat the straightener, just keep it cold and unplugged.

Tips-

• Don't scrub or clean the plates of the flat iron in a harsh manner.
• Be gentle and patient when cleaning the plates of the flat iron.
• Make sure the flat iron is unplugged during the cleaning process.
• Keep the plug, the cord and the flat iron away from the water.
• Don't clean the flat iron with household cleaners.
• Don't let anyone near the flat iron when it is hot or when it is slightly wet, especially children.
• Never use much water on the flat iron and never put the flat iron in the water when cleaning it.

Clean a touch screen device

Equipment-

• 1 microfiber cloth (preferably one that has come with the device or one that is recommended for the device, if this is not available you can use a microfiber cloth that comes with glasses or sunglasses, etc.).
• 1 cotton cloth (any cotton cloth will do).
• Water (preferably distilled water).

Method-

1. Turn the device off.
2. Make circular motions on the screen of the device using the microfiber cloth, do this until you have completely cleaned the screen.
3. If there are still imperfections on the screen of the device, moisten the edge of the cotton cloth with the water and repeat the circular motions from step two (if you are worried about using water on the device, just breathe onto the screen and use the moisture from your breath to clean the device instead of the water).
4. Now finish by once again repeating step two completely, again (if there is still water, moisture or dampness left on the screen of the device, just let it air dry).

Tips-

• Don't over clean the devices screen.
• Be gentle and patient when cleaning the devices screen.

Prolong the life of a car

Instructions And Tips-

1. Read your cars manual.
2. Schedule regular maintenance and servicing.
3. Try to drive less.
4. Do not use your car for short trips.
5. Be careful when breaking-in a new car.
6. Check the car's level of fluids regularly, especially before long trips, e.g. oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
7. Check the colour of the fluids, also.
8. Regularly change the car's oil.
9. Flush the car's fluids approximately every two years.
10. Change the car's air filter approximately every twelve thousand miles or every nineteen thousand three hundred and twelve kilometres.
11. Drive your car carefully.
12. Start your car with care every time you decide to drive it, always drive your car gently, slowly and smoothly until it reaches operating temperature, especially on cold days.
13. Use your parking brake more often in the summer time and less often in the winter time.
14. Monitor the thickness of the brake pads in your car, make sure the do not wear away or wear down to the metal.
15. Rotate your tires diagonally twice a year or every six thousand miles or every nine thousand six hundred and fifty six point one kilometres.
16. Check your car's tire pressure regularly.
17. Inflate your car's tires regularly, also.
18. Keep the front end of your car aligned.
19. Wash your car regularly, in both summer and winter.
20. Keep your car well preserved when storing it for long periods of time.
21. Only get gas and/or petrol at good, well-known service stations.
22. Keep your house keys separate from your car keys.
23. Be patient and go easy on your car when its stuck in mud, snow, etc.
24. Don't get gas and/or petrol when a gasoline and/or petrol tanker is refilling the underground tanks at that service station, go to another service station or fill up your car on another day, instead.
25. Always try and park your car in the shade or use a sun shade/visor.
26. Clean the inside of your car regularly.
27. Clean your car's dash gauges gently and carefully.
28. Always have floor mats in your car.
29. Try have car seat covers in your car.
30. Try having car weathershields.
31. Fix both small and large car problems as soon as possible.
32. Try having a car cover.

Make Pancakes

Ingredients-

• 1 cup of self raising flour.
• 1 cup of milk.
• 1 egg.

Equipment-

• 1 large non-stick frypan.
• 1 mixing bowl.

Method-

1. Mix all the ingredients together in the mixing bowl until they are just combined.
2. Pre-heat the large non-stick frypan.
3. Lightly grease the frypan with wither butter or cooking spray.
4. Put large spoonful's of batter into the frypan.
5. Cook each one until the surface is bursting with bubbles and the edges of the batter starts to go dry.
6. Turn and cook each one until they are golden brown.
7. Now eat and enjoy your fresh pancakes.

Notes and Tips-

• The general size for a pancake is approximately 12.5 centimetres, but you can adjust the size to your preference, e.g. extra large pancakes, mini pancakes or medium/normal pancakes, etc.
• You can also use this recipe for pikelets.
• The pancakes can be put in the freezer and reheated, whenever you prefer.
• The pancakes also go well with sweet and/or savoury toppings.